My best regards to all of you.I am entertaing people using my voice + keyboard(s) for twenty years now and i am watcing this forum for most than a year and i really appreciate it.
I would like to make some comments on the Wersi Abacus which i am playing for three months to entertain my audiences.
1.NO CRASHES !!!(yes its true beleive it)
2.the easiest to use live>many big programmable buttons with LEDs +7.8' COLOR touch screen +real time volume sliders & organ drawbars
3.THREEE different sound generatorson board: XG midi+special DSP card (6 SHARC DSPs) + DSP Organ(opotional) plus Harmoniser(optional) with only one 24bit D/A converter before the output ie all sound mixing is done digitally.Maximum polyphony actually exceeds 128 notes even when using organ sounds+samples in all levels.
4.1000 freely programmable presets literally at a touch of a button which recall instantly all sounds/mixing/styles/smf etc from the standard 40GB H/D where i have already stored some hundnreds of..everything
5.Also 24bit digital mixing for 2 mics + 3 stero ins to 3 stereo out including parametric EQ > i dont need a mixing desk
6.Sampled sounds are great , i have also loaded AKAI sounds>no problem ,i am now trying software synths seems ok.
7.Completely software based already in version 3.30,more to come on CD free of charge.
8.normal pc components > i have a backup hard disk just in case
9.I run other audio + midi s/w directly on the instrument i.e sequences,mp3 players( real time mixiung with what i play) etc
You may say i like it exept one thing
its 'a little heavy;
I can give you more details if you like.

sorry !
i forgot CD player,CD writer,Karaoke,
realtime pickup list for style,smf,or 24-bit wave backings,real time synth like edit of sample sounds,real time mixinf of stles etc...

Thanks. Its about time we heard from an Wersi user.

How heavy is it?
How fast is the processor?
What software synths have you gotten to work on it. I wonder if the Wersi will support a sequencer program like Cubase? Or run computer-based sampling programs like Gigastudio?

Great news. Thanks for the post. I wish I could see a Wersi Abacus to try out here in the Northeastern USA. I'd love to be able to get my mitts on it.

" Korg " AJ

[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 01-30-2002).]

Thanks for the interest.
here are some answears:
I have not measured the weight but it should be around 30Kg.I managed to carry it around with two hands but i am working on special alumninium stand with wheels and fiberglass cover.The factory provides a number of equivalent accessories but i d rather go my way.The installed proccessor is Intel Celeron 750Mhz with 256 PC100 RAM.All the sound processing is carried out by the dedicated hardware so there is not a need for faster CPU.The Abacus comes with Steinberg Cusbasis and Wavelab preinstalled and the VST instuments are using also the DSP card via low latency ASIO drivers.I am currently trying out demo verision of the Native Instuments products and I have heard of someone in Germany who is using B4 without any problems.There is a dealer in the U.S. you may check here www.wersimusic.com

Kewl! Then probably Kontakt will run.

For those that do not know, Kontakt is a software sample program (like Gigastudio), but also offers resynthesis. It was the most highly rated (at Harmony Central) product at this month's NAMM. It comes as a VST plug-in, so it should work smoothly with Cubasis. Any corrections?

P.S. Isn't 30kg about 66lbs? Maybe it should come with wheels.

[This message has been edited by Clif Anderson (edited 01-30-2002).]

Cosel,

When I want to play my keyboard, I want to play directly on it after I've switched it on.
I wonder how long does it take before your windows based abacus has started up ? Or is your keyboard ready immediately after you've switched it on ?
I personally hate it when I have to wait a long time after I've switched on the instrument.

regards, Bart

Cosel,

Thank you for sharing this. I am really curious and eager to hear some of the sounds and styles.

I think most keyboards and sound modules have some "boot" time. My Karma is about 12 seconds, my Roland XV-5080 is about 18 seconds. But Windows takes forever to boot up. Hopefully, Wersi implements a sleep mode. My Sony RX-590G takes about 15 seconds to be active after sleep mode.

Are there some expansion ports on it? Like for PCMCIA modem? Or does it has a built-in modem (wireless is cool) so I can download some cool sounds while performing in the stadium?

As a Weari Abacus KS1 fan. Here are the Specs. for all those that are interested. Let us not forget that this is a very, very expensive arranger, or else I would own one of these dream keyboards.

Effects / Reverb
Several separate reverb and effect systems, reverb length, intensity, brightness control, 3 effects at once. Reverb and effect programmable for each sound.
Keyboard / Pedal
5 octave weighted, dynamic and aftertouch, piano mode, split mode, *13 note pedal board options
Keyboard Housing
Black metallic with solid wood sides, special pearlised white finish optional
silver plantinum finish optional
Display - Touch Screen
Colour display 7.7" VGA, touch screen
OX7 Sinus Drawbars 9/7 Pitch
Virtual physical sound generating 4 organ types - B3, H100, Spectra / Atlantis, Helios / Galaxy, rotor effect system for base and horn. Quick/slow scanner vibrato, chorus, normal, celestial, quick/slow, programmable organ presets, keyclick, sustain, delay
Sounds - Polyphony
128 polyphonic voices, 600 advanced sampled sounds, XG mode, 50 long wave stereo sampled sounds. Sounds can be loaded if required. Akai S100 - 3000 compatible, 20 drum kits, reverb, chorus, effects, sound characteristic, tone colour can be recorded for each sound
Effect Switches
6 effect switches for special effects
Microphone sockets
2 microphone sockets , EQ with base, 2 x parametric mid, high and reverb, chorus and echo adjustable
Digital Mixing Desk
With 6 output sockets (3 x stereo), volume, EQ for all channels, 4 input sockets (2 x stereo), volume, EQ for all channels, 2 microphone sockets, volume, EQ for all channels, *SP-DIF digital in/out optional
Hard Disk Recording
Hard disk recording of music, including vocals, production of own audio CDs with *optional CD burner, multitrack recording with Cubasis VST
Diskette Processor - 1.44 MB
Hard drive - 8 giga byte. 20 giga byte optional*
*Vocalist - Vocalist for multiple voices
Operation / Total Presets
Up to 1000 freely programmable total presets, direct access, instant sound and rhythm selection via switches on operating console and touch screen - adjusting volume in real time via drawbars, 3 sounds on the right hand side of the split, 2 sounds on the left
Connections
2 x midi in/out/thru, 2 microphone sockets (stereo). Main output (mono/stereo), 2 additional stereo output sockets, pedal, foot pedal, SP-DIF Digital In/Out optional, printer, 2 USB connections, mouse & keyboard connection, 2 COM ports, monitor connector
*Real Drums - Wave Player
Revolutionary new drum accompaniment, live rhythms, automatic accompaniment, playing of PC compatible WAVE Data files possible with standard model, waves limited only by hard drive capacity, production of own wave data files on the instrument
Rhythm / Accompaniment
Rhythms each with 4 variations, 2 intros, 2 endings and 2 fill ins. Own choice of rhythms can be loaded as required. *Rhythms of Pegasus, Performer, Phon X, GG can be converted, one finger or multi finger harmony recognition, newly developed Wersi Chord harmony recognition.
Sequencer
16/32 track sequencer, own choice of sequences can be loaded, full XG + GM standard, Cubasis VST and Karaoke software included as standard
Lyrics and Karaoke can be displayed on the screen. Notes displayed through Cubasis VST softwarae
CD Rom
32/40 speed CD Rom processor *optional CD burner for producing audio CDs
Master CPU - PC
Windows 98. Memory 256 Mb SD-Ram Memory PC100 *Optional up to 500 MB. Interface for printer, 2 universal connections, 2 part USB connection, connection for 17" monitor. *PC keyboard and mouse - *cordless
*Amplifier / loud speakers
2 x 30 Watt stereo, bass and Kalotten high tone sound system
Dimensions
Width: 118 cm, Depth : 46 cm, Height : 14.5 cm
Direct stereo sound samples
Individual Expander sounds from AKAI's vast sound library can be directly loaded into the Abacus
Instrument: 61 note dynamic weighted keyboard, aftertouch. 76 note keyboard which fits under the Abacus KS1, making it useable aS a two manual instrument.
Sound Generation: ASS (Advanced Sampled Sounds) and LWSS (Long Wave Sampled Sounds) Akai S1000-3000 compatible | 20 Drum Kits | GM and XG MIDI Standards Polyphonic: 128 Notes | lower manual 2 layer/Split upper manual 3 layer
OX7 Realtime drawbars for upper and below split
Computer: PC-ATX/Celeron/Windows 98SE/VGA-LCD-Touch Screen | 8.4 GB Hard Drive / 1.44 MB Floppy / CD-ROM / 256Mb SD-Ram Memory PC100
Controllers: 13 Realtime Controls | Pitch/Modulation Wheels
Rhythms: Rhythms with auto accompaniment / 4-style Variations
Sounds: 600 Advanced sample sounds/50 Long Wave Stereo Sample Sounds/1000 Presets
Mixer: For all in/output sockets Equaliser
In/Output: 2 x Microphone/4 x Line in / 6 x Line out

Digital Mixing Desk
The integrated digital mixing desk means that you don't need an additional mixing desk for playing live. With 2 microphone sockets and a further 2 independent stereo sockets you can mix all of your equipment via the Abacus. Al sockets have an equalizer and reverb, chorus and echo effects. In addition, there are 3 independent stereo outputs, each with 3 level sound controls.

IS THIS A SERIOUS BOARD OR WHAT???????

synthemeister,thanks for the support i confirmed all these specs in my first post as user the Abacus.
bart, it takes about two minutes to be able to play if not using 'suspend to RAM', but i can make a cup of cofee during this time!

danb,there is a standard PC board with free PCI sockets and all the usual connections in the back so you can connect standard (cheap)modems,printers..you name it.
I still believe the price is right for what you get:ask for the price of a color touch screen alone.The screen supports also continuous movement like 'touch sliders',not only switcing functions as the previous Wersi Pegasus model had since 1993(!).
I will to post some sounds for all of you some time in the (near hopefully) future.

Cosel,

In comparing the sounds, ease of use, styles, to other arrangers "if you had the opportunity to of demoed them" 9000 Pro, PA 80, SD1, KN6500, etc... how would you rate the Abacus. Also, how much is the Abacus USD. You said it is worth the price? I was told an unbelievable amount when I called Wersi U.S.A.

Look up wersimusic.com for the Abacus. They are located in Lancaster, PA.

Hi guys!
just came back from my Saturday night gig .nice party we had
Here is some comments for some of the current models i had the chance to put my hands on:
What i did not like mainly on the VA7 was the absence of some crucial (IMHO) real time controls:volume sliders and sound selectors and the absence of hard disk.also the menu system seems a little too complicated to navigate especially when playing live.
The Korg i30 alltough older I think is more suitable for live perfomance than the PA80 -which by the way may seem nice if you only play with SMFs.
The Y9k seems to be closer to the Abacus but then again lacks the touch screen the sampled sounds,the sliders,the mixer,the PC etc.Maybe the Genesys will be along the same lines(DSP based etc).
But the best thing of the Wersi is the future of it.The whole system is updated automatically by loading a CD (approx.time 5 mins) and all the upgrades up to the current version 3.30 have been sent to customers free of charge.
There are some things that the Abacus does not do yet(like user porgrammable drumsets as the Pegasus had),but its shure that an update will always be in the way.Let me tell you something:in 1985 i bought ny first Wersi,a double manual 'organ' with features that looked like sci fi at that time.I could have all the new stuff Wersi Germany was producing as add-ons even the TouchScreen/20bitDAC/Hard Disk system of the Pegasus that came out in 1994.I bought the later because it was easier to carry arround and I was working with it until three months ago.Even if the Abacus lasts for 'only'ten years then the initial investment is more than justified.Can you imagine how many Japanese 'new models' has someone to purchase in 10 years to be up to date?

Let me get the Wersi sales pitch straight!

Pay 7,000 dollars for a 66 pound arranger that sounds and works not much different than many others - but you can upgrade it easily.

How good can a performing musician feel about hauling around such an expensive piece of equipment - what do you do for a backup?

MH

Not that I'd do it now, but for years I hauled organs around. The last one was a 3-manual Yamaha that listed for something like $9000, and that was 14 years ago. And no back up. Also had to take a Leslie.
In that context 66 pounds doesn't seem like so much, but now anything over 40 is too heavy for sure.
DonM

To Mike H:
I tried to convey the message that this arranger is actually better then other arrangers in many areas including ease of use,sound quality and technical capabilities and on top of all these is a quality instrument that can be updated for years in a very easy manner so all these factors justify the high price. To have a reference the retail price of a Y9k pro with hard disk is almost $4000 where i live.
For shure somebody has to put his hands (and ears) on a musical instument to fully appreciate it and if its difficult to find a Wersi dealer this is Wersi's problem and they should look at it.
To answear your questions i would feel the same if i had to cary a sample player,a Drawbar organ,a XG midi module,
keyboard(s),Mixer,Effects rack,Vocalist,a PC etc only now is only one box.
The PC parts of Abacus are of standard variety so i already have a second hard disk always with me ,just in case,and of course,my previous keyboard is there as a backup unit.
To Don M:nice to know that other people were carrying organs around apart from me!
I am not shure about the weight but as I wrote before I can carry the instrument myself for a reasonable distance.A stand with wheels will make life easier for longer distances (e.g from the indoor lounge to the pool bar of a resort).
Happy Music Making!